Comfort Measures

My ticker says 30 more days!

We went to see the doula again yesterday. This time to learn about 'comfort measures,' all the things that may help me feel more comfortable in labour. I really feel like I learned something. I left with a birth ball and a special aromatherapy mix to start using in early labour.

I go from being calm about the whole prospect of labour to nervousness. I remember the first time and I can't get my head around the notion that it can and probably will be different.

Anyway, I like the doula. She seems like she knows a lot and she just has a calming way about her.

Flakey Doula vs. New Doula

We have a new doula. The original doula had an impossible schedule and wouldn't call when she said she would. I met her through our midwifery. She basically couldn't make it to the birth if it took place the weekend after my due date. But I got the impression she didn't know how to just say no to us. Even after she said she couldn't make it, and was having a hard time finding a back-up doula who could, she said, "I'll call you [insert whatever day/time here] and we will meet anyway and start going over your birth plan." Okay, fine. But she never called.

Then one Saturday afternoon, I received an e-mail from this local shop that sells crunchy mama and baby stuff about their grand opening for their new location. I went. They have doulas on staff. Doulas were there at the grand opening. I started talking with one. Found out that my due date, 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after, were open for her. Found out that she was okay with 2 mama families. Made a date for A and I to meet with her the next Saturday (which was yesterday).

And now we have a doula. I could do a whole post on our first meeting, and I will.

Birth Stories

I read peoples' birth stories. I am amazed sometimes. So many of the times. And I wonder if I have the strength to go through that. First baby was a c-section. I did go into labour. Made it to 3cm before the water broke and we saw meconium and had to get her out. Those first 3 centimetres were not easy. This baby is head down. Midwife has been saying all along I am a good candidate for VBAC. But I wonder - can I do it? Can I do it?

Here is what I know so far...

Baby is head down.

Baby is head down.

This is all I know really. That and the baby is measuring big - how big, not sure, tech couldn't say.

But the head down thing is a relief. So I am going to hang with that for awhile.

Will keep you posted:

My hospital ultrasound to check out all this large head business is on Tuesday at 9:40am.

Here is the scoop.

The midwife called today with the results from the ultrasound last week. Yes, baby is big. In fact, 3 weeks ahead. Baby's head is like 5 or so weeks ahead. She is sending me to a hospital ultrasound - apparently more accurate, etc.

Just so you know, I am at that point in the pregnancy where I want to see/meet the baby so that I know everything is okay, you know? So to get this piece of news is just nerve wracking.

Midwife said, "We tend to be more concerned when the baby is measuring smaller - head especially." I asked if this could indicate a bigger issue. She said, "If it did indicate a bigger issue we probably would have seen other markers up to this point on previous ultrasounds." Her belief is that baby simply has a big head. She also felt less concerned because baby is measuring big overall... would be more concerned if body was measuring behind, but it isn't.

I talked to my mama. She said not to worry. She pointed out that she gave birth to 3 big headed babies. It's true. I have a big head. She said, "That's just how we are..."

In other news, baby has been moving a lot lately... and I believe is no longer transverse (head to one side, feet to the other). Now I believe the head is below my ribs and feet are standing on my bladder. So, breech. I do feel good though that baby is still moving - there is still room.

Midwife recently delievered a breech baby at home and would do it again... she has found an OB who will do a version as well - some won't do them on women with previous c-sections.

Tomorrow we are taking C to the pool. It'll be nice to get in the water for a bit.

33 Weeks

Saw the midwife today.

She won't move the due date. We know when conception took place. Size isn't a reason to move the due date.

Today baby is not transverse. Head is up top, feet down low.

I am measuring 39 weeks.

Gained no weight since last appointment.

A wee bit dehydrated. But water turns my stomach. Must find something else to drink.

I go back on the 22nd of February. I meet midwife #2.

Transverse Lie

Baby is in a transverse lie position according to ultrasound today. Head on my right below my ribs and feet to the left near my hip bone. Because of baby's size, ultrasound tech suggested that the due date be moved to the 4th of March instead of the 30th of March. Can you do that when you know when conception took place. Many babies move in the last weeks. Now I am wondering if due to size this baby can't move. I will talk with my midwife on Monday.